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CommitteePresident – John Shrapnell, 27 Hanover Street, 473-7128, shrapnell@clear.net.nz Vice President - Peter Buxton, 106 Weld Street, 472-3456, jbuxton@paradise.net.nz Treasurer –Eva Durrant 15 Hanover Street, 470-7879, edurrant@xtra.c.nz Secretary – Adelyn Wischnowsky, 474-3472, 021-197-6069, adelyn.wischnowsky@goodmanfielder.co.nz Committee Members Brendan Tracey 2b Norwich Street, 499-3380, brenz66@gmail.com Malcolm Smith, 32 Hanover St, 473-0406, malcolm.smith@clear.net.nz Tony Baker, 186 Wadestown Road, 472-0722,tonychristina.baker@xtra.co.nz Bruce Stokell, 7 Blackbridge Rd, 472-4177, bruce@sportwork.co.nz John Browning, 15 Pitt St, 472-2642, john.browning@paradise.net.nz Colleen Pilgrim 14, Weld Street 934-2286, colleen.pilgrim@oag.govt.nz Minutes of Wadestown Residents Assn on Monday 6 October 2009 Present: John, Adelyn, Colleen, Eva, Brendan, Peter, Malcolm and John. RUBBISH COLLECTION SUBMISSIONS TRELISSICK PARK AWARD COMMUNITY SPACE TREASURER’S REPORT COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Minutes of Wadestown Residents Assn on Monday 8 June 2009 Present Tony Baker, Bruce Stokell, John Browning, Brenz Tracey, Malcolm Smith, John Shrapnell Recycling It was reluctantly decided to scrap the idea of using a separate truck to collect recyclable items from the Annual Rubbish Collection. The committee debated the issue and came to the conclusion that there was insufficient time for the special truck to complete the area before the main collection began. IT was the felthte system started last year of encouraging people to recover items for themselves was the bet solution at the moment. Graphiti/vandalism Concern was voiced at the continuing break ins and thefts from cars along Wadestown Road. Although the police had recommended the formation of a Neighbourhood support group, it was felt that this method did not work in areas were neighbours cannot see each other’s houses and the houses could not been seen from the road. The complainant is considering installing security camera. Spreading the Word The Association needs to remind Councillors, and especially Council officers, that the Association has been involved in protecting and planting within the Kaiwharawhat Catchment are for the past 40 years. In 1969 the Council was preparing to turn the Ngaio Gorge into a Bradford tip. The Association opposed the move and forced public debate the turned the Council’s mind. Wellington Community Network The Associaitonis appalled that the Council is to cut funding to WCN as this will result in the loss o our Wadestown webiste and some 400 other community website. Assn to ask council for document giving reasons for decision to cut funding A letter of thanks and a gift is to be sent to the former Wadestown Librarian for her many services to the community. Minutes of Annual General Meeting of the Wadestown Residents Association. Held in the Community Space at the Wadestown Library Apologies Presidents Report We are the guinea pigs, being the first group to use the space in the evening. We have this space, which is delineated by the different paint colour on the ceiling. We also have the middle office, which we share with the library to store a few spare chair and the tea trolley. When the Council announced the inauguration of this Community Space it said that people would be able to get a cup or coffee of tea here. That facility was promptly scrapped when it was realised that there was no means of washing the cups. The only sink was in the Librarian lunchroom. This is minute and room can only fit 2 people. Health and safety concerns were also raised because of children’s potential access to hot water and knives. During the day this space is used by people visiting the library and clearly appreciated. In the late afternoon some schoolgirls seem to find it a good place to study. During library hours, if you want the toilet then you must leave the building for the public toilet outside. Outside of Library hours then we have special dispensation to use the librarian’s toilet inside the building. You may also notice the presence of a Council Security Guard. He’s not here for your protection but to ensure that we don’t pinch the books or try to access and confidential information in the librarian’s office or around the library desk. There is a clipboard wandering round and it would be helpful to have your reactions to this space. What works and what doesn’t? I acknowledge Councillor Coughlan’s participation in persuading the Council officers to allows us to the use this space. Whilst we must be grateful for small mercies, let me emphasized how small that mercy is. Karori had a new community centre and library built for it a year ago. Khandallah is about to get a $900,000 revamp of the Khandallah Town Hall. Aro Valley and Thistle Hall are being upgraded. And Newlands had just opened its new $2m two story Community Centre that includes several meeting rooms a basket ball hall, toilet and showers and fully equipped kitchen. So while I’m grateful for this Community Space I shall continue pressing Council to build us meeting room, kitchen and public toilet behind the library here so that we can meet, relax, make coffee and go to the loo when we want to and not have a Security Guard to keep and eyes on us. The two other major events of the year are the Village Fair and the Inorganic Rubbish Collection, Both of these seem to get bigger each year and while the community appreciates them, I believe we have to make some changes. First the Fair. I have no doubt that one of the main reasons for the success of our Fair is just that OUR Fair. The only people we allow to have stalls are those who live in the area, or have a business here. The only exceptions are service groups such as the Fire Brigade, Police, Citizens Advice Bureau and similar. It takes considerable time organizing the Fair and there are real dollar costs in providing and printing advertising material and distribution. To make it easy for people to take part, we have made no charge for places. Instead we say to stall holders, if they make a good profit then a small donation to the Residents Association would be appreciated. This approach has fallen on deaf ears. There was one exception this year when St Lukes generously sent us $40. However next year’s Fair we will have a new regime. IF you are a financial member of the Wadestown Resident Association or still at school then the place will continue to be free. Anyone else will be required to pay a $10 fee for a place. The Rubbish Collection This last rubbish collection we got community agreement that any resident could rescue and reuse items from piles put outside. This seemed to work but we still took massive amount of recyclable material to the tip. This year we are negotiating with the Council to provide us with an extra truck that will complete the circuit of street and recover any obviously recyclable material. It will be placed on the grass outside here and will be for sale until about midday. Any proceeds go to the Association to recover our costs. Anything left over will go to the recycle spot at the tip. And one last note on recycling. I’m considering using the Wadestown Web site as somewhere we could list anything that people would like to give for recycling. Not rubbish but anything in working order that you no longer need. Council proposing to cut funding which may impact on communication for community groups. Cllr Andy ?Foster stated that funding may still be available for another year. Village Green Report Trelissick Park Report Treasurers Report Elections Any Other Business Vandalism and graffiti incidents. What can be done? Community keeping its eyes and ears open. Wall outside of Community Centre being prepared for artistic creative painting. Balance of rates being moved from commercial to residential. Commercial currently subsiding residential rates. At end of 10 year process, commercial will be paying 2.8x rates of residential. Minutes of WRA Committee meeting on 6 April 2009 Present Adelyn Wischnowsky, John Shrapnell, John Browning, Eva Durrant, Colleen Pilgrim, Bruce Stokell New Secretary Fair Community Space AGM Renew Village Green Corporate membership Rubbish Collection Minutes of WRA meeting Monday 16 February 2009 Present John Shrapnell, Bruce Stokell, Malcolm Smith, Angus Marks, Jenny & Peter Murray, Eva Durrant Finances Village Fair Community Space LTCCP There was a general feeling that the planned Indoor Sport Stadium was in the wrong place and Bruce Stokell offered to read report made on the Kilbirnie site, especially where users would come from and the effect on traffic/parking in the area Secretary General Business Minutes of Annual General Meeting - Monday 21 July, Old Community Centre, Pitt StBegan 7:40pm with 15 people — and, later, one councilor — attending. 1. Minutes of the 2007 AGM were read. 2. President's Report In general this has been a quiet year for the Association, but there have been some highlights. The Annual Rubbish Collection took place at the beginning of November and yielded nine truckloads for the tip. Our volunteer collectors again commented on the considerable amount of recyclable material that was thrown out. One pile included a heap of toys nearly a metre high, clearly thrown out because the child had outgrown them. Many toys were recovered and are now with other families. The committee agreed that this was a matter that needed a better solution – more on that later. The Village Fair once again grew in size. All the old favourites such as a Guides water slide and the food area were still there, but the overall number of stands increased by 30%. It was particularly pleasing to have calls from school children wanting to run their own stalls. Some times it was to sell off their old toys, while others created various food products and sold them. A great learning experience on many levels for our young people. The Community Centre concept continues to be a major issue. We are now in our twelfth year of trying to persuade the Council that we need a new Community Centre. I find this very disheartening, particularly as the Council is able to help other communities with either refurbishment or brand new community centres. Karori, Newlands, Khandallah, Aro Valley, Tawa, Te Aro, Oriental Bay, Johnsonville, have all received Council attention and funds but Wadestown misses out every time. I did get quite excited when the Council’s Chief Executive called me in to discuss Wadestown’s Community Centre problem. I got even more excited when Gary Poole said that he thought the concept we had promoted of a combined Library/Community Centre was a good idea that could be used throughout the City. But then back in Wadestown the reality set in. The Council was quite prepared to spend thousand of dollars on an extension to Johnsonville Community Centre where our Ward Councillor John Morrison lives. It was also willing to spend a few million to build a new Community Centre for Karori, where our Ward Councillor Andy Foster lives. But in Wadestown where our Ward Councillor Jo Couglan lives, the Council largess went on some wheels to make the library shelves moveable. If we are to get any movement on this issue, then the people of Wadestown need to start putting real pressure on our Councillors. When in 2002 we all spent a year consulting with the Council via the Community forum 71% of people voted in favour of the new Community Centre/Library plans that the Council architect produced. Since then only some wheeled shelves for the library. If that same 71% of Wadestown people stood up and said we want a proportion of the rates we pay spent in Wadestown, we might get somewhere. Our Community Coordinator Louise Davies is now working out of the Library. This move has worked well because Louise is now easily accessible, rather than being hidden up a steep path then past the guardians of the Crèche and up flights of stairs to her former cubbyhole. Our Committee comprised of Nick Lee-Frampton, Angus Marks, Malcolm Smith, Jenny and Peter Murray, John Browning, Colleen Pilgrim and Bruce Stokell have worked well together. I hope they will be there again this coming year. Finally I promised to return to the Rubbish Collection. This year it will take place on Saturday October 25. And this year we will trial our idea for recycling more items and reducing the stuff taken to the tip. While many people have looked enviously at some of the stuff put out for the collection, there has been a reluctance to recover items for fear they might be seen as stealing. So, this year we are asking for a community agreement that any item put out for the annual rubbish collection is available to any resident who may have a use for it. There are two provisos. No unpacking of suitcases or boxes and the rubbish pile must be left tidy. We are also encouraging people to put their items out on Friday if possible. 3. Financial Report Suggestions included mention of bank account details with rubbish collection notice allowing online funds transfer to occur. Also subs to be mentioned at election candidates meeting. 4. Trellissick Park Report 5. Community Coordinator 6. Elections 7. General business: 8.WCC Meeting closed at 9.05pm Minutes of Wadestown Residents Association meeting
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Action |
1. |
Previous Minutes Accepted |
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2. |
Treasurers Report |
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2.1 Treasurers report was tabled. |
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2.2 The committee agreed to renew our subscription to the Wellington Progressive Residents Association. Moved JB, Seconded MS |
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2.3 The WRA recognized the sterling work of the Trellisick Park Ngaio Gorge Working Group, and agreed unanimously to donate $150. JS will ask whether the group requires additional funds for any other projects. The committee also agreed to supply a morning/afternoon tea during a working day. Moved MS, Seconded AM |
JS |
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2.4 The committee agreed to funding the food/drinks at the AGM |
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4. |
AGM – 25 September |
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4.1 Hall to be booked. |
JS |
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4.2 Newsletter to be produced advertising both this and the rubbish collection. Community will be asked for any items they would like discussed at the meeting, and ideas for possible funding of local projects. |
JS |
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4.3 Treasurers end of year report to be tabled. |
AM |
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4.4 Invite councillors. |
JS |
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5. |
Rubbish Collection – 28 October |
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5.1 Newsletter to include guidelines for collecting, e.g. “Please remember that the collectors are your community members – young and old. Whilst we will do our best to collect all rubbish, if we’re unable to lift it onto the tall trucks (head height), then we may unfortunately need to leave it behind. If you’re in any doubt, then please keep an eye out for the truck and help us lift it on’. |
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5.2 JS to ask Deirdre Bourke whether she would be kind enough to provide morning tea. |
JS |
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6. |
General Business |
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6.1 JS produced a number of documents issued by the council for comment. These included the Rezoning Plan, WCC 10 Year Plan, Traffic Resolutions, Footpath Management Review and the Trading in Public Places. |
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Present: John Browning, Amanda Huttley, Angus Marks, Jenny Murray, Peter Murray, John Shrapnell, Malcolm Smith
Apologies: Bruce Stokell
1. |
Minutes |
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The previous minutes were approved. |
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2. |
Finance |
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2.1 Financial Status |
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End of year summary to be produced. |
AM |
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The following expenditure was approved unanimously: |
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2.2 Subs |
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The committee were pleased to note that a couple of residents had used the online banking option for paying subs this year. |
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3. |
WCC Annual Plan |
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The committee were offered a chance to read the annual plan and other WCC documents, and send responses to any items of concern or interest. |
All |
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4. |
Wadestown Fair Review |
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The committee were very pleased by the success of the Wadestown Fair. |
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There was discussion about whether we should open the stalls to non-residents. The committee would prefer to keep the fair ‘in-house’, however it was agreed that John should keep a list of those who express an interest, and we may contact them if there are any places unfilled. The committee will continue to actively promote the stalls to residents. |
All |
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5. |
Community Centre |
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Still pending. |
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6. |
Parking |
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It was noted that parking in front of the Playcentre has meant a dangerous crossing point opposite Hanover St. AH will seek Plunket’s views prior to contacting the WCC. |
AH |
Present: Peter Murray, Malcolm Smith, John Browning, John Shrapnell
Apologies : Angus Marks (New Baby!!!), Amanda Shrapnell (older baby), Bruce Stokell (Too many babies)
1. The appropriate documentation has been signed to close off the redundant Playground Account and transfer the remaing funds to main account. WRA has paid for St Lukes Hall hire for Candidates meeting and Highland Park Progressive Assn has paid 50% of hire costs.
2. There was general concern the the Council's lack of consultation and surprise demolition of the Victorian shelter and the earthworks over part of the playground. John S reported that he had spoken to the Parks and Reserve person. Two or three picnic tables are to be installed plus a basket ball hoop and practice area. JS to write to Council expressing WRA concern at lack of consultation
3. The Council is still demanding proof that there is a need for a new community centre building alongside the library. Letter to be written to Community Centre Management Committee expressing WRA interest in using the centre.
4. Annual Rubbish Collection Day set for Saturday 29 October however letter from Council says that one WRA person can ride in truck and the rest follow round in cars. John S to take up issue with Council.
Remember this?Yes, that’s last year’s Village Fair. Didn’t
we have fun! We are starting the Fair a little later in response to several
suggestions. |
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Remember the two girls last year who
were offering handshakes. Their sense of fun made a lot of people
smile. What can you do to follow that spirit?
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Present: John Browning, Amanda Huttley, Angus Marks, Jenny Murray, Peter Murray, John Shrapnell, Malcolm Smith
Apologies: Bruce Stokell
No minutes were taken at the previous meeting.
Finance - The accounts are looking very healthy. Angus has merged the two accounts, and ensured WRA is listed as a non-profit organisation.
Subs - A reminder for this year’s subs will be sent in the coming newsletter, along with bank details for internet banking, and Angus’ address for cheques/cash. It was agreed that subs will be ‘by donation’, with a suggested amount of $10 per family, and $2 for senior citizens. The newsletter will make mention of the subs benefiting projects within the community.
An option will be given for providing an email address to receive information about upcoming events in Wadestown, and for requesting feedback about relevant issues
Project Funding - It was agreed that whilst money should be saved for the Community Centre Project, the committee would like to start funding some projects in the community. Members were asked to start looking for possible ideas that would benefit the residents, and may also increase our visibility as a group.
Safer Roads - John made the committee aware of the new WCC Safer Roads initiative. This is available for viewing at the library
Village Fair – The date is now set – 11am-2pm, 18 March 2006. The committee is encouraged to talk to friends and neighbours to promote attendance and contributors. The fair will be mentioned in the newsletter, along with ideas for stalls i.e. ice cream stand (John will suggest this to the Scouts), helium balloons, small business advertising.
Newsletter - John kindly agreed to write the next newsletter, including information on subs and the village fair. Please advise asap if there is anything else you would like to see included.
Community Centre - The project has received interest by the Wadestown Horticultural Society. There is obviously much support for this centre, let’s all keep our fingers crossed!
Wadestown Map - Amanda to write to the WCC regarding replacement of the faded map outside the library.
Present: John Browning, Amanda Huttley, Jenny Murray, Peter Murray, John Shrapnell, Bruce Stokell
Apologies: Angus Marks, Malcolm Smith
Wilton Bowling Club - Proposed plans do not look overly obtrusive except to directly neighbouring buildings, so the committee did not have a strong view on the project. It was agreed that we would informally contact the club and neighbours offering to be a neutral referee during discussions.
Accounts- A letter was written to the bank requesting the Playground fund be transferred into the WRA account, and WRA account co-signatory status for Angus Marks. We are awaiting confirmation.
Rubbish Collection Coordination required with the council with regard to trucks, drivers etc.
Map - A new Wadestown map to be requested, along with UV protection to prevent fading.
Parking on Pavement - After much discussion it was agreed that a solution is difficult in narrow Wellington streets. A letter is to be written with our views, distributed to the committee before sending to the council.
Community Outcomes - The committee decided not to respond to the Community Outcomes request.
Meet the Candidates - There has been a good response from candidates to the meeting on Monday 15 August. Helpers would be appreciated at 7.15pm to set up the hall.
Community Centre - We are still awaiting a response from the Wellington City Council
Present: John Shrapnell, Angus Marks, Amanda Huttley, Bruce Stokell, Lilli Ficko, Malcolm Smith
Apologies: Jenny Murray, Peter Murray, John Browning
Community Centre - John gave the history behind the Community Centre plan. WRA are awaiting the response from WCC (Wendy Walker) to Version 2.
Accounts - The Payground fund is to be tranferred inot the WRA account. Options for allocation of the Playground account fund were discussed, but the committee agreed to hold pending implementation of the community centre plan.
The committee agreed that Angus Marks will be co-signatory to the WRA account. The committee agreed to join the Federation of Wellington Progressive & Residents Association. The Association meets monthly, and is open to all to attend.
Beautification Scheme - Committee members to provide suggestions to JS by 1 July. Discussed were: Spike Milligan Corner and replanting in Tinakori Hills.
Wilton Bowling Club - Obtain a picture of the new bowling club and proposal summary. Following this resident’s views will be canvassed by the committee.
Rubbish Collection - The committee agreed that a rubbish collection would be held this year. Coordination required with the council with regard to trucks, drivers etc.
Village Fair - The committee agreed that, following last year’s success, the Wadestown Fair would be held again this year. Committee members to encourage residents to participate and hold stalls.
Database - The committee agreed to the production of a database for email distribution of information to residents. This service will be advertised in the next newsletter, along with the WRA website address www.wadestown.wellington.net.nz.
Map - A new Wadestown map to be requested, along with UV protection to prevent fading.
1. Previous Minutes
These were read and agreed by all attendees.
2. Presidents Report
John Shrapnell highlighted a number of points from the report including:
3. Finance Report
The report was read and agreed.
4. Status of the WRA
The
function of the Residents Association was discussed. The Wellington
City Council often asks the association for submissions on matters concerning
the suburb. The president advised that whilst he comments on a
number of relevant issues, he is unable to cover all the submissions
required due to time constraints. He is eager for more input by
other residents.
The president went on to discuss the roles of two of the other local
groups:
Community Liaison Group: comprises of representatives from other local groups e.g. the Creche, School, Library, Plunket
Community Forum set up by request of the WCC, run by local residents, this group meets on an irregular basis.
It was noted that regrettably the local papers are not used more by the WCC for canvassing public opinions.
5. Election of Officers
President John Shrapnell – Nominated/Seconded: Bruce Stokell/Malcolm Smith – Unanimous Agreement
Secretary Amanda Huttley/Annie Collins – Nominated/Seconded: Malcolm Smith/Bruce Stokell Unanimous
Treasurer Angus Marks – Nominated/Seconded: John Shrapnell/Bruce Stokell – Unanimous Agreement
Committee Jenny Murray, Peter Murray, Malcolm Smith, Bruce
Stokell, Lilli Flicko, John Browning
6. Any Other Business
6.1 WRA
Subs
It was proposed that Subs are collected on a yearly basis, as many residents
would like to contribute to the excellent work done on behalf of our
community. The issue of collection (by post or on rubbish collection)
would be discussed further by the WRA at the next meeting. This
was agreed unanimously.
6.2 Trellisik
Park/Ngaio Gorge Working Group
This group usually meets on the 1st Sunday and 2nd Thursday of each month
for the purpose of clearing and planting. Everyone is welcome – keep
an eye out for the pamphlets in the library.
6.3 Thanks was given to John Shrapnell for the superb job he continues to do on behalf of the residents of Wadestown.
Now that the colder weather has begun it’s time that we had another
such evening. With a glass or two of our special recipe mulled wine and
some cheese and biscuits we can take a moment to look at what we’ve
been doing. We can also decide on what the Residents Association should
be doing in the future. In some circles they call this an AGM but I always
say that quietly as the very words can deter people from coming. So let’s
meet at :
7.30 Friday June 10, Presbyterian Hall, Hanover Street
During the course of the evening we need to consider the following:
1 President’s Report (attached) and Financial Report
2 Matters Arising from reports
3 Status of WRA today and tomorrow. Is it supported, is it desired?
5 Roles of Resident’s Association/Community Liaison Group/Community
Forum
6 Projects: the following have been suggested by one of our residents
a) Create safer junction at Pitt St/Wadestown Rd
b) Create safer junction at Moorhouse/Lennel Rd)
c) Install a chair lift, aerial conveyance link from, say Wade Street
to Thorndon, or Barnard Street to Westpac stadium.
5 Any other matters
6 Informal discussions as we finish off the wine and cheese (if there’s
any left).
If you’re wondering why a Friday, it’s because the hall is booked up on all the other days of the week.
Community Centre
It has been a busy and frustrating time since our last AGM. The main
reason is that most of the focus has been on trying to resolve the
future of the Community Centre. This follows the City Council’s
rejection of the planned new centre along side the library.
I won’t speak for other people, but I’m know that I and others
involved in that project feel that the community was conned by Council
officers. Our cost neutral plan was enhanced and radically changed by
them. When we raised concerns, we were assured that the Council would
want to do things properly. That sentiment may have been accurate, but
at the hearing, Council made it very clear that we had promised a cost
neutral plan and the officer’s version would cost $1.2 million
so it was rejected.
Part of the escalation was due to the Ministry of Education’s changes
in grants for Creches. Whilst the Creche can continue to operate at the
old Community Centre, if it were to move to new premises it would need
all its facilities to be for the exclusive use of the Creche, even down
to car parks just for the use of Creche staff. Our view is that such
demands would make a Creche move impractical for the Wadestown community.
I believe the Creche appreciates the impossible situation.
Since then we have been working with local architect Richard Wright on
another plan involving the use of a second hand suitable building being
co-sited with the Library. If this planning is acceptable to the community,
it is anticipated that the Creche would remain in its current home, and
rent or buy the building from the Council.
Community Facilities in General
Last year we were also involved in the Council’s Review of all
community facilities. Despite many months of meetings and refinement
of our views, all the steam and enthusiasm, died when the Council rejected
the Community Centre plan. Since this is a key community facility I cannot
see much progress being made until that issue is resolved.
The opening of the new St Lukes Centre has changed the mix of community
facilities. Some users who need large spaces have returned to St Lukes,
or moved from the cramped facilities at the existing Community Centre.
However there is still the need for a community drop-in centre with two
or three small meetings rooms. Somewhere that our ageing population and
mothers with kids an access with ease.
Village Fair
The Village Fair grows bigger and better each year. It should be noted
that the success of the Fair is due entirely to the residents, and the
consistent help that we get from Anne Furneaux and other Wadestown Library
staff. We receive no funding for the event from the Council but they
do usually provide a couple of road barriers to slow traffic entering
Moorhouse Street. Next Fair second Saturday in March.
Annual Rubbish Collection
If it goes ahead, this year will be our 35th Annual Rubbish Collection.
Last year there was a significant increase in the amount of rubbish collected.
We attribute that to the severe increase in tip charges and the fact
that ours is free to all residents. The collections are only possible
because the Council provide four truck and helpful drivers, and because
the usual dozen resident volunteer to pick up everyone’s rubbish.
I must admit I get frustrated at the number of residents who put out
substantial quantities of rubbish but make no attempt to help the volunteers.
These are often the same people who leaves piles of small rubbish items
that have to be picked up piece by piece when they could have been bagged
or boxed. We may have to institute a policy of leaving such rubbish where
it lies.
Finances
At the moment we have a reasonable amount of money in the kitty. This
has been mainly due to us taking advantage of our web site as a means
of communication. Each physical newsletter, such as this one, we have
to deliver ourselves. I hope that situation will change with a new executive.
I will have the accounts available for perusal at the AGM.
The Web Site
Our website has expanded to become the Wadestown website with separate
pages for various community groups or links to their web pages. This
means that you should be able to find any information about our community
by visiting the one site. This is another free service which we provide
for the community. The adress is www.wadestown.wellington.net.nz
Wither Next?
This will depend upon where you think we should be going and on whether
you and others are prepared to help us get there.
Our Secretary Annie Collins will be unable to continue due to a changing
work load. Our Treasurer, Terry McArthy is in a similar position.
There has been an informal committee that has been most helpful in decision
making. However, the number of issues raised by the Council requiring
community input is overwhelming and we need a solid group of people who
are prepared to take on this work and ensure that Wadestown continues
to be the village where we want to live and which provides the facilities
and life style that we need.
Your help is vital.
John Shrapnell, President, Wadestown Residents Association
This years local body election will be a challenge for all of us
- not because of what we think of the present Council (although I could
write a book on that subject) but because this will be our fi rst STV
Single Transferable Vote) election. In the past you may have voted Mary,
Peter and Bill for our three ward councillors and forgotten about the
half-dozen candidates. This time you must rank all the candidates in
your order of preference.
Were in the Lambton electorate which will have three Councillors
elected and the voting works this way. Let say there are 9,999 valid
electors in Lambton Ward. When one of the candidates (say Mary) reaches
a third of the votes plus 1 (thats 3,334) she is elected. If you
had put Mary as your fi rst choice, some of
your vote stay with her and the remained is passed on to your second
choice and so on until three people have suffi cient votes. So your vote
effectively trickles down through your choice of candidates.
With the Mayoral election, with which we are also concerned, we only
need one mayor so the winner is the first person to achieve an outright
majority ie over 50% of the votes. Again your vote is passed down through
your choices of candidates. If this still doesnt produce a result,
the bottom polling candidates are
taken off the list and the votes trickle back up until a winner is found.
If you would like a more detailed explanation look at the web site www.stv.govt.nz
Yes, itll soon be that time of the year again. Your once-a-year
opportunity to clear out the garage, the back room of whatever hidey-hole
you use for those things that you think might be useful one day, but
really arent. Its a couple of months away so put it in your
diary NOW so that you dont forget that the trucks will be rolling
down your street at 8am on Saturday 6 November.
If youre in any doubt we collect the following streets. Blackbridge,
Buchanan, Cecil (start to Euston St corner), Fernhill, Fitzroy, Hanover,
Leslie, Lytton, Mairangi (to Norwich corner) Margaret, Marquis, Moorhouse,
Norwich, Pitt, Purukau, Rangimarie, Rankin, Roscoe, Rose, Wade, Wadestown
(Moorhouse to Blackbridge),Weld, Wilton (Purukau to Norwich), Vautier.
This is a community day so please check with your neighbours, especially
the elderly or infi rm to see if they need help - its a good
way to make friends.
If you can spare a couple of hours on Saturday morning (6 Nov) then why
not join us on the trucks. Its a fun time and our volunteers are
always both men and women. But please dont bring children the risk
of them getting hurt is too great. When were done therell
be coffee and scones at Dees place (21 Hanover).
If you can help, give Dee a ring on 472-7068. If you have any questions
about the collection ring John 473-7128.
No doubt you have heard that the Council turned down the proposal for
a new Community Centre to be built beside the library. This was a real
gut shot from the Council since the Council offi cers had promoted
the idea to the community and had used their own plans rather ours.
The Councillors turned the idea down because the officers plans
it were not cost neutral. The Council says its now waiting for
our community to raise half a million dollars to pay for a new community
centre. Meanwhile around $4M is being spent in Karori and unknown sum
to build a new community centre in Newlands.
There is another wrinkle with this issue and that is the position of
the Creche. Under its present licence, the Creche is able to operate
in the existing community centre even though it does not meet all the
Ministry of Educations requirement for a Creche. If a new Community
Centre is built and the Creche moves to the new building it must meet
all the Ministrys requirements. This means exclusive use of its
part of the building, Creche-only indoor and outdoor play areas, toilets
and even Creche-only parking spaces for Creche staff. The City Council
does not have a defi ned policy on its support or otherwise for Creches.
In some areas, such as Karori, it has helped out, in others, such as
Wadestown, it clearly does not want to. We need the Council to determine
its policy and to administer it consistently throughout the city.
Over the past year the Forum has done a lot of work in identifying and
clarifying the vision for the future of Wadestown. The information
is currently being put into a document that can be sent to all residents.
We want to ensure that any vision is owned by the community
before we put it forward to the Council as a basis for their planning.
While there are still people intersted in the forum, the turning down
of the community centre project has seen a marked waning of interest.
We all need to take advantage of the local body election process to push candidates into committing themselves to take action of the Community Centre project. Come to the Meet the Candiates meeting and put those standing on the spot. We want a commitment from them as to where they stand on the Council funding and building a new Community Centre for Wadestown. We also want to know where they stand on Council support for pre-school organisations such as Creche. While it is tempting to seek candiates views on every issue, I urge you to concentrate on getting commitments to these two vital community issues fi rst. If candidates are asked their views on the bus services, parking meter fees, the cost of rubbish bags, and the pot holes in your street, then well get a lot of waffle from each and no commitments. We want to know which candidates are committed to doing the best forour community.
Do you have a commitment to this community in which you live, and possibly
work? If so then the Wadestown Residents Association desperately
needs your help.
Do you like living here because of the green environment, the life style,
the community facilities, the dawn chorus of native birds, the library,
the great local school or whatever? Do you want it to stay that way
or get better? If the answer is Yes,then you need to get involved.
The Association is here to represent the interests of Wadestown to both local and central government. That means that if Wadestown wants a new community someone has to gain community support and put the idea to the Council. If youre fed up with commuter cars that now park in Wadestown, someone has to write to the Council about it. Each week we get request from the Council for the communitys opinion on this issue or that issue. If we dont respond to theses requests or make our communitys view known, then were likely to fi nd solutions that suit the needs of Island Bay or Mount Victoria rather than Wadestown.
If you have time, and are prepared to take on some of the associations
tasks, please ring me John Shrapnell, President, Wadestown Residents
Association
Annual Rubbish Collection - Saturday 1 November
Yes, its that time of the year again. Your once-a-year opportunity
to clear out the garage, the back room of whatever hidey-hole you use
for those things that you think might be useful one day, but really arent.
Youve got a couple of weekends to start work and then at 8am on
Saturday 1 November the trucks will be rolling down your street.
If youre in any doubt we collect the following streets. Blackbridge,
Buchanan, Cecil (start to Euston St corner), Fernhill, Fitzroy, Hanover,
Leslie, Lytton, Mairangi (to Norwich corner) Margaret, Marquis, Moorhouse,
Pitt, Purukau, Rangimarie, Rankin, Roscoe, Rose, Wade, Wadestown (Moorhouse
to Blackbridge),Weld, Wilton (Purukau to Norwich), Vautier.
This is a community day so please check with your neighbours, especially
the elderly or infirm to see if they need help - its a good way
to make friends.
If you can spare a couple of hours on Saturday morning (1 Nov) then why
not join us on the trucks. Its a fun time and our volunteers
are always both men and women. We ususally end up with coffee and scone
at Dees place. If you can help give Dee a ring on 472-7068. If
you have any questions about the collection ring John 473-7128.
New Community Centre
The community plan to sell the old Community Centre building in Pitt
Street and to build a new centre behind the library is still with the
City Council. They are assessing the merits and financial viability of
the plan. I must admit I had expected to have heard back from the Council
by now but so far not a word.
Community Forum
The Community forum has been holding regular meetings to determine the
vision of Wadestown. Look out soon for public meetings to discuss the
ideas that have been raised so far. If youre a resident of Wadestown
then this must be a vital issue for you and your family as it will eventually
determine a whole series of important issues ranging from the facilities
that are available in Wadestown to the density of housing.
God be with you Graham
Many of us were shocked and saddened to read of the sudden passing of
one of our most devoted members, Graham Law. Even on the wettest winter
night Graham could be relied upon to come to our meetings. There his
quiet, thoughtful comments would add substance to any debate. He and
his wife Gaye would help deliver newsletters and notices around the village.
If you managed to collar Graham for your team on the rubbish collection
you were fortunate. Being vertically unchallenged meant that Graham could
heave things just a little further than the rest of us - a highly valued
talent on a rubbish collection. He was also a member of our committee
and I will missed his help and advice on the many community issues that
we discussed.
Boundary Changes etc
For reasons that are unclear, the Council has changed some boundaries
of our junction with Wilton. As far as the Council is concerned Wadestown
and the Lambton Ward now exclude the odd numbers in Blackbridge Road,
the even numbers in Wilton Road, the odd numbers in Norwich Street, 68
and above, and 89 and above in Mairangi Road, 124 and above, and 109
and above in Cecil Road. See map overleaf.
The Council has also decided that Highland Park no longer exists as a
suburb and apparently never did. This is inspite of the facts that
Highland Park was established as a separate estate in the early 1800s
and has been recognised as such by the community ever since.
It seems odd that at a time when communities are so important to the
well being of our society that our so called city fathers should cast
aside one of their eldest offspring so carelessly.
Take heart Highland Park, we know youre there and we will continue
to recognise and appreciate you. We will also maintain the Wadestown
Boundaries as describe on the other page of this newsletter.
This is also the time when we have an opportunity to comment on the eletoral
boundaries for the ward system.Wadestown and Highland Park are part
of a massive ward called Lambton. That ward also includes Highbury,
Kelburn, Mount Cook, Aro Valley, Mount Victoria, Roseneath, Oriental
Bay, Thorndon and the central city.
We have argued before, and we will again, that the Lambton Ward does
not meet the criteria of the Local Electoral Act in that it is not
a community of interest. It is composed of several communities with
quite different interests. Take for example the interests of apartment
dwellers in Manners Street, would they have the same community interests
as people living in a hilly suburb such as Wadestown?
Council wants feedback
As usual we are inundated with requests from Council for information
and comment on its various plans. On the positive side, this is the Council
consulting. On the negative side, it is impossible for voluntary groups
such as Resident Associations to consult with the community, obtain a
reading of community attitudes, and respond to Council within the Council
timeframes.
We are currently asked to respond to the Triennial Electoral Review,
Traffic Plans for Wadestown Road, Sefton Street, the Liquor Control
Bylaw, the new busfare structure, Parking Restrictions in various streets,
the Wadestown Visioning process, the Outer Green Belt Management Plan
etc, etc.
If we do not respond then when the Council does make a decision and we
dont like it any objection is met with the response We
consulted the community. That might be an accurate assessment,
whether it is a fair assessment is another matter.
Who can help?
As mentioned earlier our Residents Association committee has lost
Graham Law, we also have virutally lost our Secretary Annie Collins who
has been working night and day on Lord of the Rings and other members
are trying to cope with working and teenage children. If you have time,
and are prepared to take on some of the associations tasks, please
ring me.
John Shrapnell
President Wadestown Residents Association
The Annual Mulled Wine and Cheese Evening or AGM was held on Tuesday June 10 despite howling winds and rain.
Among the issues discussed were whether a residents association was needed in view of the development of the Community Forum. There was unanimous support for continuation as the Forum's role was seen to have different priorities.
The possibility of a donation to the St Lukes fund for it's new hall was rejected. the meeting felt that any spare funds should be used first for the new community centre.
It was suggested that the Village Fair be set a week later on the 2nd of 3rd week of March. This would avoid a clash with the Wairarapa events and the Scouts weekend. There was also a suggestion that the Fair should start and finish later - perhaps 11-2. A planning committee for the fair will be established and will meet later in the year
There was a plea for younger people to become involved in the association so that a wider spread of community opinions could be achieved
The Annual Rubbish Collection will be on Saturday 1 November that giving residents and opportunity to sort out their rubbish on Labour weekend.
The Assocations Thiink Tank (Committee) will include Graham Law, Coleen Pilgrim, Chris Abbott, Pauline Swan and John Shrapnell
Now that the colder weather had begun its time that we had another
such evening. With a glass or two of our special recipe mulled wine and
some cheese and biscuits we can take a moment to look at what weve
doing and decide on what the Residents Association should be doing in
the future. In some circles they call this an AGM but I always say that
quietly as the very words can deter people from coming. So lets
meet at :
7.30 Tuesday June 10, Presbyterian Hall, Hanover Street
During the course of the evening we need to consider the following:
Presidents Report and Accounts (attached)
Annual Rubbish Collection
Village Fair
New Community Centre
Councils Strategic Review of Facilities
Roles of Residents Association/Community Liaison Group/Community
Forum/Community Board
Presidents Report
Life has been more hectic than usual since we last met. Much of the intervening
time was taken up trying to represent peoples objections to the
overhead Saturn Cables. Along with a dozen other residents groups we
formed a coalition CORA and took the matter to the Environment Court.
The Court advised that we should enter a Court appointed mediation
process. We spent nearly a year in mediation with Saturn and the Council
before returning to the Environment Court to seek declarations from
the Court that one cable meant one cable, as specified in the Councils
District Plan, and that Saturn was in breach of the plan by erecting
bundles of up to 10 cables.
We found the Court process lacked both logic and natural justice. The
judge agreed with us but refused to make a formal declaration because
he said that those people who took the Saturn service were not in court
to have their say. To rub salt into the wound the Judge accused us
of wasting the Courts time because we had taken the Courts
advice and undertaken the Courts mediation process. The penalty
for this was $16,000 of costs to be paid to Saturn. It has not been
paid because CORA doesnt have the money.
This battle was undertaken on your behalf and on the behalf of other
Wellington residents but the benefits have gone to Auckland and Christchurch
where the various City Councils took heed and took action to curb Saturn.
And the final irony is that the Wellington City Council, that fought
us all the way, has now changed the District Plan to obstruct any future
attempts to hang overhead cables.
Just on a year ago the City Council began its Strategic Review of Facilities.
This is a euphemism for what cutbacks can we make? They began by establishing
two pilot schemes, one in Miramar and the other in what they called
the Onslow area, which ran from Wilton to Broadmeadows and from Kaiwharawhara
to Highland Park and Wadestown. We were able to persuade them that
this was not a community but several communities, some of which had
no links with the others.
We pointed out to Council that we had put forward a plan to Council six
years earlier and that they had been sitting on that plan every since.
As a result, our plan was fast tracked as we were well ahead of all the
other communities in the so called Onslow area.
The plan which we put forward was a cost neutral concept of selling the
old Community Centre building and site and constructing a new purpose
built Community Centre behind the library. You will all have received
a mail drop about this a couple of months ago so I wont repeat
all that information. During the past three months we have created
a Community Forum which prepared and put the plan to Council once again.
The current state of play is that we are waiting on Council, once again,
to determine the price they might get for the old building and the site
and for an estimate of the cost of the new building. If they are comparable
we would expect the Council to go ahead with the project. It will require
the new building to be constructed first so that the Creche can move
in, since it is the major user of the Community Centre. If the figures
are not comparable then undoubtedly the Council will scrap the project
and years of work will be lost.
Once the Community Centre Project is resolved we, as a community, must
look at the other facilities. We are still part of the pilot project
and the Community Centre is just one important issue. While we have
concentrated on one issue, our neighbours in Ngaio have been developing
their community plan from the other end. They have been looking at
the big picture, the sort of community they want in terms of housing
density, shopping centre, the issue of the main road splitting the
community etc. We need to undertake a similar process so that we can
have some say in the development of Wadestown.
Even further down the track, but now in sight, is the issue of Community
Boards. This has been rumbling away in the background for several years
now but the change in the Local Bodies Act, and the vote to move our
election process to STV, has brought this issue into focus. While STV
may work well when you have a large number of candidates that you can
list in order, it would seem to work less well when there are only
two or three candidates. I suspect there may well be a move to get
rid of wards and have only city-wide Councillors. We have already been
asked to consider adding in our neighbours of Wilton and Northland
into the Wadestown Community Forum. If the council does get rid of
wards then elected Community Boards seems to be inevitable. These would
leave Councillors looking at city-wide issues and Community Boards
being made responsible for local expenditure.
At the moment we have a reasonable amount of money in the kitty. This
has been mainly due to having fewer newsletters and the fact that we
have delivered them ourselves. I hope that situation will change with
a new executive. I will have the accounts available for perusal at
the AGM.
This will depend upon where you think we should be going and on whether
you and others are prepared to help us get there.
Our Secretary Annie Collins will be unable to continue due to a changing
work load. There has been an informal committee that has been most
helpful in decision making. However, the number of issues raised by
the Council requiring community input is overwhelming and we need a
solid group of people who are prepared to take on this work and ensure
that Wadestown continues to be the village where we want to live and
which provides the facilities and life style that we need.
Your help is vital
What we need most from you is your intellectual input. Tell us what we should be doing. Tell us about the issues that concern you.
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